After reading the Epic of Gilgamesh and the “Characteristics of an Epic” resource, address any two of the following prompts below:
Identify and discuss one of the characteristics of the epic as seen in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Based on the presentation of Gilgamesh’s character, how would you define the concept of heroism in Sumerian culture back then? How does Gilgamesh compare/contrast to a typical ‘hero’ or epic hero of today’s time? Explain, using a specific example of a modern hero if possible.
Love is a major theme in the text. But what is the most important relationship in the story, in your opinion- and why? Defend your answer.
What role do women play in the Epic of Gilgamesh? For example, how would you characterize women like Ishtar, Ninsun, Shamhat, or Aruru? How do these characters help advance any of the story’s themes? Finally, what do their portrayals suggest about the status of women in this ancient culture?
The fear of mortality is a dominant theme in the epic. How does the character of Gilgamesh grapple with his fear of mortality? Does Gilgamesh’s attitudes on this topic change over the course of the story? If so, how, and why?
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